The Greek word Olympâs, represented by G3652, is the name of a Christian. The name is likely a contraction meaning "Olympian-bestowed, i.e. heaven-descended." It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific, personal reference within the apostolic writings.
The single biblical mention of G3652 occurs in Romans 16:15. In this passage, the Apostle Paul extends his greetings to a list of believers in Rome. Olympas is named alongside other Christians, with the instruction: "Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them" Romans 16:15. This places Olympas as a recognized member of the early Christian community in Rome.
Several other words in this passage provide context for the mention of Olympas:
- G782 aspázomai (to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome): This is the specific action the believers are instructed to take toward Olympas and the others, signifying a warm greeting and fellowship Romans 16:15.
- G5378 Philólogos (fond of words, i.e. talkative (argumentative, learned, "philological"); Philologus, a Christian): This is the first individual named in the specific group greeting that includes Olympas Romans 16:15.
- G2456 Ioulía (feminine of the same as Ἰούλιος; Julia, a Christian woman): A Christian woman listed for greeting in the same verse as Olympas Romans 16:15.
- G3517 Nēreús (apparently from a derivative of the base of ναῦς (meaning wet); Nereus, a Christian): Another believer named in the same list as Olympas Romans 16:15.
- G79 adelphḗ (a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)): This term is used to identify the woman greeted with Nereus, highlighting the familial and community connections within the group that included Olympas Romans 16:15.
- G40 hágios (sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint): Olympas is identified with the group of "saints," a term used to describe all consecrated believers in Christ Romans 16:15.
While the mention of G3652 is brief, its context carries theological weight.
- Inclusion in the Church: The listing of Olympas by name demonstrates his standing as a valued member of the church in Rome. He is not an anonymous figure but a specific person recognized by the Apostle Paul.
- The Nature of Fellowship: The command to "salute" G782 Olympas and his companions underscores the importance of community, personal connection, and mutual acknowledgment within the body of Christ Romans 16:15.
- Identity as a Saint: By being grouped with "all the saints" G40, Olympas is identified by his position in Christ as one who is holy and set apart for God, a status shared by all believers Ephesians 6:18.
In summary, G3652 Olympâs is more than just a name in a list; it represents an individual who was part of the foundational Christian community in Rome. Though appearing only once, the reference to Olympas in scripture serves as a permanent record of an early believer and illustrates the biblical principles of fellowship and the shared identity of all believers as "saints" G40.
TRV